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8
Food Poisoning.
This year there were 35 cases of Food Poisoning. This compares
very favourably with the 318 cases in 1959; however, it must
be remembered that in 1959 there were large outbreaks at two
hospitals in the Borough, whereas in 1960 the total of 35 was made
up largely of single cases. The following agents were identified :—
Salmonella Typhimurium 8
Salmonella Reading 1
Salmonella Stanley 1
Total 10
In 25 other cases no specific organism was isolated.
During December, 1959, three cases of Salmonella St. Paul
were discovered in different London Hospitals. It was then found
that all three individuals concerned were employed at the same
place—a food factory in Hammersmith. Great importance must
be placed on any outbreak of food poisoning discovered in a food
factory, and the Health Department immediately commenced extensive
investigations.
Swabs were taken at various points in the drainage system
of this factory, and it was found that certain toilets were receiving
the Salmonella St. Paul organism.
This narrowed the search to some extent, but it was necessary
to investigate still further, and, working with the full co-operation
of the management of the factory, it was then found necessary to
test individual members of the staff. The tests revealed that two
employees were in fact carriers. They were requested to stay away
from the factory and to consult their own doctors.
Both of these employees claimed and received compensation
from the Council in accordance with Section 26 of the London
County Council (General Powers) Act, 1959, which provides that
where, in a case of this nature, the Medical Officer of Health requests
in writing a person to discontinue his employment, the Borough
Council may, if they think fit, compensate such person for any loss
occasioned by compliance with this request.
After further tests both were found to have eliminated the
organism and resumed their employment once more.
Whilst it was impossible to pinpoint the original source of the
infection, at least the action taken did ensure that the outbreak was
limited.
Dysentery.
100 cases of Dysentery occurred during 1960 which is 48 less
than last year. There were no deaths, nor were there any outbreaks.